Conflicting reports emerge on casualties from Port Harcourt helicopter crash

There is growing confusion regarding the number of casualties resulting from the tragic crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has stated that no additional bodies have been located at the crash site, maintaining that the death toll stands at three. This announcement follows the unfortunate incident involving the helicopter, which was hired by NNPCL for operations in the region.

In contrast, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported a higher casualty figure, claiming that five bodies have been recovered from the wreckage. This discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of the information being communicated.

In a formal statement released on Sunday, October 27, 2024, the NNPCL emphasized that their search and recovery efforts have not yielded any further remains beyond the initial three bodies that were recovered immediately after the crash.

“The NNPC Ltd. wishes to announce that beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered,” the statement read.

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The company also noted that collaborative search and rescue operations with relevant authorities are still actively ongoing.

The situation was further complicated by remarks from NSIB Director General Alex Badeh, who, during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily, claimed that two additional bodies had been found, bringing the total to five.

“We have recovered two more bodies, making it a total of five. There are three more down there that hopefully will be recovered today,” he asserted.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:22 am on Thursday near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt, and involved a total of eight individuals, including six passengers and two crew members. As the search efforts continue, clarity regarding the final casualty count remains critical for both the families involved and the broader community.